Those who need to look for financial support from potential donor organizations and those who need an early decision should apply by 28 February 2013.
This programme is implemented by the United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP). Below you will find general information about the programme. For comprehensive details, including the full admissions requirements and application materials, please visit the UNU-ISP website. Inquiries can be submitted using the online inquiry form.
The PhD programme in Sustainability Science aims to produce scholars who will become key researchers in the field of sustainability science. UNU-ISP takes an innovative approach to sustainability in seeking to promote a better understanding of three of the most pressing issues on the United Nations agenda — global change, peace and security, and development — bridging these cross-cutting themes through research, educational and collaborative initiatives.
The programme will equip graduates with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary knowledge of sustainability problems and deepen their understanding of the role of environmental sustainability in addressing current issues related to global change. Students undertake problem-oriented research, acquiring the quantitative and qualitative analytical research skills necessary to understand the underlying principles between various systems involved in sustainability issues and debates. Through coursework and research, PhD students gain critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as well as the technical literacy required to address sustainability problems.
The PhD in Sustainability Science typically lasts for three years; the programme starts in September with students expected to complete all degree requirements by July of their third year. Students must complete a PhD dissertation in one of several UNU-ISP research themes, focusing on global change and sustainability.
Upon graduation, students are awarded a PhD in Sustainability Science from the United Nations University.
Application deadlines:
Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in sustainability studies and have either completed a master’s degree in a discipline related to sustainability studies or have at least two years of practical field experience related to UNU-ISP research themes.
The sole medium of instruction in the programme is English. Applicants are therefore required to demonstrate English-language proficiency before entry. Applicants who are not native English speakers are required to submit official evidence of English-language proficiency. Please click here for more information on the minimum English requirements.
A limited number of scholarships are available for outstanding applicants from developing countries who can demonstrate a need for financial assistance. Scholarships cover all tuition fees and include a monthly allowance for a maximum of 36 months. Please note that scholarship opportunities are very competitive and are offered to a small number of students who have been granted admission to the programme. Please click here for more information of tuition fees and scholarships.
Application deadlines:
Prof. Kazuhiko Takeuchi
Dr. Srikantha Herath
Dr. Vesselin Popovski
Dr. Obijiofor Aginam
Dr. Brendan Barrett
Dr. Madoka Futamura
Dr. Osamu Saito
Dr. Osamu Ito
Mr. Luohui Liang
Dr. Surjan Akhilesh
Dr. Kei Otsuki
Dr. Christopher Hobson
Dr. Effah Antwi
Prof. Govindan Parayil
Prof. Masafumi Nagao
Prof. John Clammer
Prof. Yasushi Kikuchi
Dr. Jose Antonio Puppim de Oliveira
Dr. Fukuya Iino
Dr. Akiyuki Kawasaki
Dr. Yi Wang
Students must earn a total of 14 credits. Students are required to take:
Two of the three required elective courses can be chosen from among those offered by partner institutions, and can also include practical training offered at the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA), located in Ghana.
For more information on courses, please click here.
For information about this programme, please visit the UNU-ISP website.
If you have further questions about this programme after visiting the website, please submit your inquiries using the online inquiry form.
United Nations University Institute for Sustainability and Peace (UNU-ISP)
Admissions Office
53-70, Jingumae 5-chome
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8925, Japan
T: +81 (0)3 5467-1212